Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Let's Get Real With God

Look more closely at the question- “Do I Really Know Him?"

Is Jesus your Lord...or are you with the millions of others who admire Jesus and like the idea of the Savior part, but can't seem to bring yourself to the place of surrender? I am not talking about just saying a prayer. I am asking if you have knowingly and willingly made a choice to surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

If you find yourself in that category with those who are "dipping their foot in the water" but can't bring yourself to take the "plunge" it might be because you think it is some sort of trick and that you will be giving up much more than you will get back...you know, selfishness. Don't worry, we were all born that way. We didn't mind if someone did without when we were infants, as long as we were provided for. Unfortunately that still applies for many of us today. We are afraid God won't provide for us the way we are accustomed to, or as good as we do ourselves. It is good to be honest with ourselves and God regarding these things. Let's get real with God. The worst thing we can do is live in denial when it comes to the Lord.

Please consider this scripture:

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2 NIV

And again in the New Living Translation:

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Psalm 32:1-2 NLT

What a great opportunity. By simply being open and honest with the God who already knows everything about us, we step into total forgiveness and blessing. Believe me he already knows it all. He is hurt by us, but not deceived. No, this is for our own benefit, just as everything he asks us to do is for our own good. He wants to bless us more than we are willing to receive. We just have to come to a place in our hearts where we admit we are sinful and in need of a savior.

“The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 51:17 NLT

“Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 AKJV

We need to get to the point where we trust him enough to be completely honest with him and with ourselves. The void that every human being has on the inside of them that causes them to search and search for things to fulfill them, is really their longing for the one who created them; for God. That need to be loved, cared for, and encouraged can only be satisfied long-term by filling that void with the presence of God. No one can provide for us better than our heavenly father, who created us, and wants above all things, for us to be in good health and prosper even as our souls prosper? Not only does he want it, but he is the only one who can actually make it happen.

One thing about God's grace...it's available to everyone, but forced upon no one.